Secret Empire (2017 comic): Difference between revisions
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| main_char_team = Army of Evil<br>[[Captain America]]<br>[[Hydra (comics)|HYDRA]] |
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Revision as of 01:10, 4 May 2017
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- For the supervillain group, see Secret Empire.
| Secret Empire | |
|---|---|
 Cover of Secret Empire #1 (May 2017). Art by Mark Brooks. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| Format | Limited series |
| Publication date | May 2017 |
| Main character(s) | Army of Evil Captain America HYDRA |
| Creative team | |
| Written by | Nick Spencer |
Secret Empire is a 2017 Marvel Comics storyline.
Premise
The storyline deals with HYDRA's takeover of the Marvel Universe after Captain America is transformed into a agent for the organization by the Red Skull.[1]
Plot
Issue 0
Since the incident at Pleasant Hill, Captain America's memory was rewritten by Red Skull's clone using the powers of Kobik, a sentient Cosmic Cube. As Chitauri forces launch a massive attack on Earth, Steve Rogers is now head of S.H.I.E.L.D. where he is appointed head of Earth's defense forces during the assault. He dispatches Captain Marvel, the Ultimates, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Hyperion, and Quasar to intercept the Chitauri outside Earth's atmosphere as Riri Williams and the an A.I. based on Tony Stark's consciousness prepare an attempt to establish an indestructible forcefield around the planet. At the same time, the Defenders oppose an assault by various members of the Army of Evil. While Hyperion and Quasar are taken out of the battle by the Chitauri, Nitro explodes, defeating the Defenders. The villains disappear upon the Avenger Unity Division's arrival. Just as the shield around the Earth is brought online, Steve Rogers reveals his "true" allegiance to Hydra, trapping Danvers' forces outside of Earth's atmosphere. Meanwhile, all of Manhattan is imprisoned within the Darkforce after Baron Zemo uses the Darkhold to enhance Blackout's abilities. The Tony Stark A.I. sends a signal out to the other Marvel heroes to meet in Washington, D.C. as fast as they can.[2]
Issue 1
Hydra's influence has spread to various facets of American society. Inhumans now must submit for registration as soon as their powers manifest or face arrest. A hacker named Rashaun Lucas is entrusted with key data by Rick Jones that Jones says will prove the truth about Captain America. Lucas successfully makes contact with the Champions who lead him to a base in Las Vegas housing various heroes who make up a resistance to the HYDRA regime. Manhattan remains trapped in the Darkforce and Carol Danvers' team of heroes remain trapped in space. Captain America leads a new team of Avengers consisting of Black Ant, Deadpool, Superior Octopus, Scarlet Witch, Taskmaster, Odinson, and Vision, who ruthlessly deal with any incursions on American soil. At a meeting with the Hydra council, Captain America rejects the option to reaffirm control of the populace through mental manipulation. Both Sharon Carter and Rick Jones refuse to believe that Steve Rogers is truly loyal to HYDRA. Eventually, to make a statement, Captain America has Rick Jones executed by firing squad and dispatches Hydra Helicarriers to raze the city of Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Madame Hydra and Rogers continue seeking a Cosmic Cube to reverse the Allies' victory in World War II.[3].
Issues involved
Opening Salvo
- Captain America: Steve Rogers #16
- Thunderbolts Vol. 3 #12
- U.S.Avengers #5
Main plot
- Secret Empire #0–9
Tie-in issues
- All-New Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #1
- Amazing Spider-Man Vol 4 #29–30
- Avengers Vol 7 #9
- Captain America: Sam Wilson #22–24
- Captain America: Steve Rogers #17–19
- Deadpool Vol 4 #31–34
- Doctor Strange Vol 4 #21–23
- Mighty Captain Marvel #5–7
- Occupy Avengers #8–9
- Secret Empire: Brave New World #1–5
- Secret Empire: Underground #1
- Secret Empire: United #1
- Secret Empire: Uprising #1
- Secret Warriors Vol 2 #1–4
- U.S.Avengers #6–8
- Ultimates 2 Vol 2 #7
- Uncanny Avengers Vol 3 #24–25
- X-Men Blue #7–8
- X-Men Gold #7–8
Reception
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2017) |
Secret Empire #0 and #1 have both received largely positive reviews. IGN rated Secret Empire #0 a score of 8.9, calling it "great", with a verdict stating that "Secret Empire probably isn't going to be for all readers. If you haven't been won over by Captain America: Steve Rogers over the past year, Secret Empire #0 likely won't change your mind. But for those who can roll with the concept of Marvel's brightest hero becoming its greatest betrayer, this issue serves as a strong start to what promises to be a very epic and emotionally charged conflict." The review also praised the artwork on the book.[4] James Whitbrook of io9 called it "Confusing," "gutwrenching," and "baffling," praising the dark tone of the story, saying "the sense of unease and despair that pervades Secret Empire #0 is phenomenal," and stating that "while Secret Empire’s 0-issue nails the gut-wrenching feeling of inevitable doom, it’s also perhaps tackling a little too much all at once" and noting that the series would likely be confusing for new readers.[5] IGN called Issue #1 "great", stating, "While the art in this issue isn't quite as consistent as it needs to be, in general Secret Empire is shaping up to be one of the rare crossover events that actually delivers on the hype. This opening chapter sets the stage well, establishing a drastically different Marvel Universe that's already feeling the influence of Hydra's reign. It offers a winning blend of character drama, superhero spectacle, and even significant humor to balance out the darker moments. If that balance can be maintained over the long haul, readers are in for a treat this summer."[6] ComicsVerse also gave the first issue a positive review, praising Nick Spencer's writing, calling it "fearless" as well as praising Steve McNiven's artwork, saying, "the team behind this book took a huge chance and it paid off. Lovingly crafted and obviously a passion project, this issue was worth the wait."[7] The Comics Beat stated of Issue #1, "Secret Empire delivers as Spencer and McNiven devote the time and attention to their craft to deliver on the absurd premise baked within this massive crossover."
Controversy
The premise of the Secret Empire event itself has drawn ire from some fans online, with some claiming on Twitter that they would boycott Marvel comics as a result.[8] Adding to this was Marvel asking comic retailers to wear HYDRA shirts to promote the event.[9][10]
In other media
Season 4 of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired concurrently with the early issues of "Secret Empire" and featured the "Agents of Hydra" story arc that shared many similiarities with it. Both depict an American society being successfully taken over by Hydra after a heroic character was made to believe his allegiance was to Hydra his whole life due to a reality-altering device. Both storylines also feature lines that could be interpreted as references to then-current American politics as well as exploration of the lives of everyday citizens under the fascist regime. Although "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." focused on a different cast of characters, the similiarities between two storylines were noted by several reviewers.[11][12]
References
- ^ "Secret Empire Unites the Marvel Universe this May".
- ^ Secret Empire #0
- ^ Secret Empire #1
- ^ Schedeen, Jesse (19 April 2017). "Secret Empire #0 Review".
- ^ James Whitbrook (20 April 2017). "Marvel's Secret Empire Event Is Off to a Gutwrenching, Confusing Start".
- ^ Schedeen, Jesse (3 May 2017). "Secret Empire #1 Review".
- ^ Shammas, Nadia (3 May 2017). "SECRET EMPIRE #1 Review: A Bold Beginning".
- ^ Ian Miles Cheong (23 April 2017). "Comic Fans Boycott Marvel's 'Secret Empire' Because Captain America Joins the Nazis".
- ^ Arturo Garcia (22 April 2017). "Marvel Promotes Captain America 'Event' With Shirts Promoting Nazi-Linked Group".
- ^ Susana Polo (25 April 2017). "Leaked comic reignites criticism of Marvel's Secret Empire arc".
- ^ Tom Bacon (23 April 2017). "From 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' To 'Secret Empire': How Marvel Has Embraced Politics In The Age Of Donald Trump".
- ^ Rich Johnston (May 2, 2017). "In Defence Of… Secret Empire".
External links
- Secret Empire at Marvel Wiki